My name is Handsome. I was born at the Taw Clinic located in the city of Mae Sot, which is situated in Thailand. My parents, both citizens of Myanmar, were employed in Bangkok, Thailand. As a result of their professional obligations, they entrusted the care of my education and upbringing to my grandmother, who resides in Myanmar.
Consequently, since my early years, I have resided with my grandmother and aunt. At the age of ten, my parents parted ways, and subsequently, my mother took on the sole responsibility of providing for my education and other financial requirements.
Throughout my primary school education, I received an allowance of fifty kyats (just a few US cents) per day from my grandmother, which I used to purchase snacks.
My aunt was responsible for enforcing strict discipline, which necessitated my completion of academic tasks before being permitted to engage in leisure activities with my peers. Due to my academic excellence, I received recognition and awards, thereby attaining the status of an exceptional student in my class.
Upon commencing my middle school education, I resided with my uncle and grandmother, where I assumed the roles of cook and cleaner. On weekends, I procured firewood from the forest and tended to my uncle’s horse. Despite the added obligations, I remained among the top three students in my class, receiving annual accolades and commendations.
At the age of sixteen, my grandmother’s demise had a demotivating effect on my academic aspirations. Nevertheless, I was fortunate to have attended a middle school that provided me with access to superior educational resources.
About Handsome
- Age: 24
- Ethnicity: Karen
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Computer Engineering
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an IT entrepreneur
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,175
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,050
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
Through diligent exertion, I achieved the distinction of being the first student to pass the matriculation examination a year in advance, at the inaugural high school in my locality. My success story soon became well-known within the community, and my teachers utilized it as an inspiration for new pupils, urging them to emulate my example of dedication and hard work.
Following the successful completion of my matriculation examination, I aspired to procure a job and commenced my job search by networking with acquaintances in Hpa-an Township. With the assistance of one of my teachers, I secured a position at a stationary shop; however, I soon realized that my skillset was inadequate for gainful employment. As a result, I enrolled at the Youth Learning Center in Hpa-an Township, where I garnered recognition for exceptional leadership qualities.
Subsequently, I completed the initial year of the Myanmarsar specialization course via the University Distance Education system at Hpa-an University. Following this, I enrolled in the two-year Education Gathering Group (EGG) program, where I was elected as the President of the Student Council. During my tenure, I received commendations for being the Student of the Month and Reader of the Month. Additionally, I was chosen as an exchange student to the Cherry Myay Academy (CMA) in Taunggyi Township for a month. Upon the conclusion of the program, I received awards for exemplary leadership in experiential learning and social service.
Regrettably, my country was the time grappling with numerous predicaments concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability. Nonetheless, as a young individual, I acknowledge the significance of time and the importance of seizing opportunities to accomplish my objectives. Presently, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering at the School of Information Technology, Mae Fah Luang University (MFU). I am now entering my final year, and I serve as president of the Myanmar Students’ Organization at MFU. During my first three years, I’ve gained a great deal of leadership and organizational experience. After graduating, my aim is to utilize the education I receive to benefit my community through various projects.
I anticipate an expansion in my professional network, which I hope to leverage to create more opportunities for young people in my community through partnerships with both government and non-governmental organizations. With the knowledge and abilities I have acquired from my university education, I am equipped to undertake this endeavor. Additionally, I seek assistance from organizations with whom I have established relationships. I am confident that my area of expertise, Computer Engineering, will play a pivotal role in realizing my vision.
Written by Handsome with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Handsome
“I anticipate an expansion in my professional network, which I hope to leverage to create more opportunities for young people in my community through partnerships with both government and non-governmental organizations.”